You spend months, sometimes years planning your wedding… yet the day itself goes by in the blink of an eye.
As a wedding photographer who spends every weekend in the heart of the celebration, I’ve learned one truth: it’s the small, intentional choices that make your day feel calmer, smoother, and infinitely more joyful.
These are the real behind-the-scenes wedding tips—the ones no one tells you, but everyone wishes they knew. Here are my Top 10 Wedding Day Tips from a Photographer to help you feel relaxed, connected, and fully present.
1. Take Time for Yourselves on the Day
Your wedding day is full… full of people, full of emotion, full of moments.
Plan even 10 minutes alone together. Step outside after your ceremony whilst I organise your confetti tunnel and sip a glass of bubbles, sneak into your reception space before everyone takes their seats, or head out for a wander once you’ve finished one of your courses. These quiet pockets become some of the best memories of the whole day.
2. Pack All Your Details in Your Shoe Box
To make your morning run smoothly, gather all your details the night before and place them in one box – shoes, jewellery, perfume, cufflinks, stationery, vow books, anything meaningful.
This ensures nothing is missed and gives your photographer everything they need in one go.
3. After You Finish Eating, Wander Around Your Guests’ Tables
Couples rarely realise how much they enjoy this.
Once you’ve finished your meal, walk around the room together. You’ll soak up the atmosphere, greet guests without feeling rushed, and get some beautifully candid photos along the way.
4. Curate Your Wedding Playlist Throughout Your Engagement
This is such an under-rated tip.
Build playlists during date nights, road trips, cooking dinner – songs that become the soundtrack of your relationship. When they play on your wedding day, the emotions hit differently. And years later? Instant nostalgia.
5. Want a Good Night’s Sleep? Stay Together the Night Before
Tradition says sleep apart. Reality says sleeping alone often makes you more nervous.
If you want real rest, stay together. Calm energy, familiarity, and shared excitement often lead to a better night’s sleep – which means you wake up feeling grounded and ready.
6. Don’t Tell Everyone Your Plans (If You Don’t Want Their Opinions)
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to weddings… and sharing your ideas too early can invite a lot of noise.
If you want to avoid unwanted input, keep certain decisions just between the two of you (or between you and your planner). Your peace is precious.
7. Choose Paper or Dried Confetti
It photographs beautifully, floats longer in the air, and gives you that magical, celebratory moment you’ll want framed forever.
Biodegradable paper or dried petals are the perfect choice for both impact and sustainability.
8. Nominate Two Helpers for Group Photos
Group photos are quicker, smoother, and far less stressful when two people who know your guests help gather everyone.
Choose organised friends or family – ideally someone with a loud but friendly voice! It speeds everything up and gives you more time back with your guests.
9. Feeling Nervous? Expecting Rain? Low Light? Consider a First Look
A first look can calm nerves instantly and give you a beautiful, private moment before the day begins.
It also means your couple photos are taken before weather, schedule delays, or winter daylight become an issue. More time, more flexibility, more breathing room.
10. Make Sure Someone Cross-Checks the Speeches
It happens all the time – three different speakers telling the same anecdote.
Ask someone to briefly read or listen to the speeches ahead of time to make sure the stories complement rather than duplicate each other. Your guests will thank you!
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should feel joyful, relaxed, and full of connection – not rushed or overwhelming. These small, intentional choices shape not only your photos but your entire experience.
